COYOTE

Witt Returns as Educational Media Design SpecialistFormer Teaching Assistant for the Media Arts Department Justin Witt has returned to Cerro Coso to serve as an Educational Media Design Specialist. Justin worked with the Animation and Online programs at the college from 2000 to 2004 before moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he functioned as an audio-visual technician for three hospitals and 27 clinics. He also spent time working in direct marketing in Visalia and Ridgecrest assisting clients with interactive website design and development. A 2008 graduate from Cerro Coso’s Online Program, Justin’s extensive background in the virtual learning environment is an asset to the college where he will assist faculty and staff to design, produce, modify, and evaluate computer-based multimedia, web-based presentations, and other media applications for classroom use. Justin enjoys creating media for education, and his knowledge of Moodle will support faculty in the technological needs that facilitate the learning experience for our students. Family brought Justin back to Ridgecrest where he now resides with his wife Lorie, who works for the superior court. In his free time Justin enjoys designing jewelry, sculpting, and rehabbing his home. Welcome back, Justin!

Admissions NowUsing iPadsRegistering for classes just got a little bit easier in the Admissions office at Cerro Coso Community College. New technologies are emerging that seek to make the process easier and more efficient for admissions staff. The IT Department recently installed touch screen iPads for student use on the counter in Admissions and Records. The iPad’s interface is very intuitive, making it easy to use even for those who normally don’t get along well with technology. No longer required to step out of the office and into the hall, the iPad’s small size allows staff to face the screen towards them to provide assistance minimizing the amount of time it takes to complete transactions. CCCC—doing “whatever it takes” to improve the student experience.

Baseball TeamGets Special Flag

Observing the need to retire the flag on the baseball field, Coyote athletic supporter Gilbert Cornell presented the Cerro Coso baseball team with a new flag that was flown over the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Cornell purchased the flag and Congressman Kevin McCarthy had it flown over the US Capitol for all Cerro Coso Community College athletes. A certificate from the Architect of the Capitol certified that flag’s authenticity. It was raised for the first time on Opening Day at the College Dawg Yard. A symbol of our great nation, the American flag stands for freedom and liberty, progress and prosperity, and perseverance. The spirit that began this great nation lives on, every time we see our flag blowing in the breeze at one of our baseball games. Your kindness, Mr. Cornell, is a big HIT with the Coyotes.

Flag flown over Capitol donated by CCCC Athletic Supporter Gilbert Cornell.

Baseball Team Gets Special Flag 1Witt Returns 1

Admissions Now using IPads 1Swing Night 2

KRV Class Holds Mock Trial 2New Clothes for New Beginnings 2

It’s a Girl! 2Mammoth Campus Community Cookout 3

SCE Gives $15,000 3April Naill Earns Masters 3

Fifth-Grade Students Get Taste of College Life 3Dr. Shakti Butler Speaks 4

Hypnotist MindSurfin Hypnopalooza Fun 4Fund Your Future FA Workshop 4

MARCH 2014 CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Inside this Issue

KRV Class HoldsMock Trial

Kern River Valley students in Victoria Del Pellegrino’s Administration of Justice course, Legal Aspects of Evidence, got the opportunity to show what they had learned in a mock trial held in a real courtroom. The exercise

engaged students in trial simulation, helped to develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as showcased knowledge of legal practices and procedures. The mock trial was held in the Kern River Branch of the Superior Court of California, Kern County. Participants experienced first-hand the difficulties that judges, lawyers, and juries face in determining which facts are relevant and which legal arguments are effective. This created a lasting experience for these students.

It’s A Girl!Our congratulations go out to President Jill Board on the birth of her new granddaughter, Thea Mae Walls. Thea was born on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 to proud parents Anthony and Emily Walls and weighed 8 lbs. Former President Mary Retterer summed up the experience with her message to Jill, “You thought you were too old to fall in love again, then you became a grandma.” Wishing them all many happy moments with their new little one!

New Clothes forNew BeginningsThe Kern Community College District Leadership Team—Crusaders for Student Success: Laura Vasquez (Cerro Coso), Tiffany Haynes (Porterville), Richard Marquez (Bakersfield), Lisa Kent (Bakersfield), and Natalie Dorrell (Cerro Coso)—held a Professional Clothing Drive and Distribution in January as part of a team project. What would you wear to a job interview? That was exactly the type of clothing the group collected to share with CCCC students. The Team’s goal was to help students dress professionally for interviews, career events, and other professional/career functions. “Suits and other professional apparel could furnish a student with the confidence to enter or return to the workplace, make a great first impression, or land a job that could change their life,” said Natalie Dorrell. Donated clothing was distributed in the Cerro Coso Student Center on January 30 along with information on how to search for a job, dress for success, interview techniques, application advice, resume writing tips, and more. “A special thanks goes out to all those who generously donated their gently used and new clothing. We couldn’t have done it without their support,” concluded Natalie. Closets hold a second chance—helping students suit up for a fresh start. The Kern Community College District (KCCD) Leadership Academy is a structured training program that encourages current college and district employees to consider taking on leadership positions within the organization. The KCCD Leadership Academy will soon be taking applications for its 2014-15 cohort. Don’t miss your chance to apply.

Swing Night Celebrates Black History Month

Cerro Coso Community College got into the swing of things and celebrated Black History Month with a Swing Night in the College Student Center at the Ridgecrest Campus on Thursday, February 20, 2014. Swing dancing was extremely popular at a time when the country was struggling. The event offered students and the community an opportunity to experience firsthand the fun release and

entertainment the dances brought. Taking participants back in time to celebrate the Swing Era, activities started with a talk and demonstration on the origins of swing by the Stevens sisters, world-renowned experts in Swing Dance and co-owners of the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. “During the days of slavery in the US, the African slaves entertained themselves and others with musical and dance forms that contained elements they brought with them from Africa,” said Tammy. “Some of the dances the slaves created went on to become national dance crazes for all Americans, such as the Cakewalk and later the Black Bottom and the Charleston.” “When the Lindy Hop emerged in Harlem in the late 1920s it contained many of these African characteristics,” added Erin. Skirts and feet flew following the demonstration, with FREE dance lessons and open dance with a local DJ. Free and open to the public, the event was sponsored by the Student Government of Cerro Coso and was financed by the Student Development Fund. Black History Month – Reaching Back, Moving Forward.

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Swing experts Tami and Erin Stevens, co-owners of the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association, and sisters, accompanied by Scott Price, lead a group in the Lindy Hop.

President Jill Board welcomes new granddaughter Thea Mae Walls to the family.

Laura Vasquez and Natalie Dorrell accept professional clothing donated by staff member Angela Sellers.

April Naill EarnsMasters

Congratulations to April Naill for earning her Master’s Degree in Human Services from Bellevue University in January of 2014. After endless hours of studying, hard work, and great determination, April has reached the finish line…for now. It’s time to enter the next phase of life, a life full of unlimited possibilities. Going to school while working full-time can be physically and mentally exhausting for a mother with a teenage son, but April enjoyed the journey and was surprised at how much she learned about herself in the process. She completed her internship with the Women’s Center and the Employment Training Resource where she taught job-

readiness skills and continues to volunteer for both organizations. Her goal is to become a college instructor teaching classes in personal development and human services. Ultimately, April plans to go back to school and earn a Masters in Clinical Counseling. For the time being she will take a break from the books and enjoy her job as an Admissions and Records Technician II. A 2008 graduate of Cerro Coso Community College with a degree in Humanities and another in Social Sciences, April also holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences from CSU Chico. Way to go, April, we are proud of you!

Fifth-Grade Students Get Taste of College LifeFrom a very early age children are asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” The I’m Going to College Day at Cerro Coso Community College is designed to help local fifth graders explore the many options available to them, focusing on the value of higher education, while spending a day in the life of a college student. There was plenty of excitement amongst the children as they explored the science labs, listened to heart beats, watched clay pots thrown, participated in a library scavenger hunt, and played with robotics—all while learning about college. 410 fifth-graders from eight local schools participated in the two day event that engages children and gives them experiences that make them want to pursue higher education. Middle school is not too early to start thinking about college. “It is our hope that the children saw something during I’m Going to College Day that sparked their interest and inspired them to start thinking about their future,” said Karee Hamilton, Event Coordinator. Education…The Key to the Future.

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Mammoth Campus Community Cookout

To raise student awareness about existing services in Mono County, and particularly in Mammoth Lakes, the South Gateway Student Apartments—the Mammoth campus student housing facility—hosted a barbecue on January 30th featuring speakers from various organizations throughout the community. Presentations from the Mono County

Health Department, Wild Iris Family Counseling & Crisis Center, the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, and Cerro Coso counselor Greg Kost covered a wide variety of topics pertinent to Mammoth Lakes’ newest community members—CCCC students. Nancy Mahannah from the Mono County Health Department spoke about smoke/tobacco free programs, flu shots, DUIs and free services offered by California’s Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment (PACT) Program. Shelby Cook from Wild Iris gave a presentation on dating, supportive relationships vs. abusive ones, and even covered the very sensitive topic of college date rape. Fire Prevention Officer Brett Reed discussed how and when to extinguish fires, how to report fires, and fire-free living. Greg Kost, counselor at ESCC’s Bishop and Mammoth Lakes campuses, talked about how to transfer from Cerro Coso Community College to CSU, UC, and out of state institutions. The presentations were diverse and informative—some lively, some sensitive and thought provoking—but all were valuable. Student access to community resources is just as important as student access to educational resources. ESCC—Helping students to know their resources.

SCE Gives $15,000 for STEM ScholarshipsEdison International awarded the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation $15,000 towards scholarships for students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Education has long been a priority at SCE and the company seeks to assist students in their academic ventures by providing college scholarships to eligible students. “Scholarships allow deserving Cerro Coso students to attain their educational goals, meet their professional objectives, and succeed to their fullest ability,” said President Jill Board. SCE is committed to investing in programs which aim to make the strongest impact, especially during economically challenged times. Cerro Coso is proud to join forces with SCE to make the dream of a college education a reality for many worthy students. SCE—investing in a bright future.

CCCC LVN students Menchie Schneiter and Luis Carrillo show a fifth-grader how to wrap a head wound.

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FUND YOUR FUTUREFA WorkshopCompleting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for most federal, state, and college-provided financial aid for students. The process can be overwhelming and the CCCC Financial Aid Department understands well the frustrations that students experience. To make it easier for current and future students, the Financial Aid Department at the Ridgecrest campus offered a FREE Cash for College Workshop on FAFSA and OneCard and provided information on student employment opportunities, scholarship information, and financial aid grants. The Fund Your Future Workshop was held in the Learning Resource Center on February 6. Financial Aid professionals were on hand to provide personal assistance and offered advice on how to avoid some of the common mistakes made when completing the FASFA. Snacks and drawings encouraged participation. The CCCC Foundation donated a Barnes & Noble Nook to the drawing. The winner, student Justin Newfield, exclaimed “I’ve never won anything in my life and this is going to be such a big help to me in my education.” The Nook allows Justin to purchase eBooks, saving him time and money on college textbooks. Most eBooks are sold with bonuses and related information that don’t usually come with the purchase of a traditional book. THANK YOU, CCCC Foundation, for investing in our students, our future, and our community.

FOUNDATION FEATURE

Hypnotist MindSurfin Hypnopalooza Fun

The Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) invited the community to join them for a MindSurfin and Hypnopalooza good time with renowned Mentalist and Hypnosis Entertainment Duo,

Richard and Marielle Aimes, on Friday, February 21, 2014. There was just no stopping the hilarious combination of mentalism and hypnotism. The audience was amazed by hypnotist’s ability to reach his subjects’ minds and the funny situations they found themselves in. Aimes studied psychology and theater as an undergraduate and is a board-certified hypnotist with the National Board of Hypnotist Education and Certification (NBHEC). As a student of hypnosis, he trained in Los Angeles and Florida with some of the top hypnotists in the country. Mariella, his wife and stage partner, is also a board-certified hypnotist with NBHEC. Together, the two perform at colleges and universities, large and small, throughout the United States. The event was FREE and open to the public.

The Coyote Howler is a publication of Cerro Coso Community College. For more information about the stories in this publication,

or to include information in this publication, contact Natalie Dorrell, Public Information Manager, at 760.384.6260 or

email ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

About this Publication

BAKERSFIELD COLLEGECERRO COSO COLLEGEPORTERVILLE COLLEGE

Dr. Shakti Butler Speaks on Racial InequalityThe Student Government of Cerro Coso hosted an evening with educator, filmmaker, speaker, social justice activist, and healer Dr. Shakti Butler and her work “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequality” on February 6, 2014. Dr. Butler is a multicultural African-American woman

(African, Arawak Indian, and Russian-Jewish) whose work as a creative and visionary bridge builder has challenged and inspired learning for over two decades. She directed “The Way Home: Women Talk About Race in America” and “Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible”. In her new film and learning program, Dr. Butler asks America to talk about the causes and consequences of systemic inequity. With moving stories from racial justice leaders, including Amer Ahmed, Michael Benitez, Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo, Joy DeGruy, Harley Eagle, Ericka Huggins, Yuko Kodama, Peggy McIntosh, Rinku Sen, Tillman Smith and Tim Wise. A screening of her film “Cracking the Codes” served as a catalyst for an interactive lecture and discussion the following evening focused around issues of diversity and social justice to foster collective engagement and build adaptive leadership skills that can light pathways toward healing, equity, and a more sustainable future. The event was financed by the Student Development Fund. CCCC—Starting conversations about important issues.

Candy Cornett and Jennifer San Nicolas from the Financial Aid Department present Cerro Coso student Justin Newfield with a Barnes & Noble Nook purchased by the CCCC Foundation.